As a programmer, how do you create an event that is intellectually engaging, emotionally memorable, and participatory without feeling preachy, academic, or gimmicky? One solution is to hire Aspen Black. Aspen Black offers experiences your audiences will respond to deeply and won't get anywhere else. That's not just a marketing statement - its based on proven feedback after years of events. Aspen has a unique gift to help people safely connect with their inner thoughts, motivations, dreams, and fears, often creating one or more of these main outcomes: 1) increased connection with self and others, 2) an enlightening emotional journey and/or release, 3) self-chosen change, 4) enhanced meaning and value added to your theme, purpose, or project.
2026 Signature Presentation:
Generations:
An interactive experience combining storytelling, live original music, and guided reflection that helps audiences ponder their past, considering how their lives have been impacted by the people, places, and events that have shaped them, and think about how their own actions, viewpoints, and choices shape their families, communities, and generations to come.
Participants are encouraged to think, reflect, and share (participate in activities, if you choose the workshop version) during the event. All leave with a greater sense of connection, conversations to carry into the hallway, and an awareness to live more intentionally in the present.
Choose your format:
- A) Public speaking or lecture-style presentation punctuated by 3-4 story-songs
- B) Workshop- guided reflection and activities springing from stories & a few songs
- C) Reflective Concert - approximately 12-15 story-songs with cohesive transitions and reflective discussion
Choose your timeframe:
- 1 hour (standard)
- shortened: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes
- lengthened: combine a 1-hour concert or public speaking presentation with a workshop for a total of 1 ½ hours - 3 hours of presentation time.
Themes/Related Objectives: Connection, Community, History, Geneology, Intentional Living, Self Discovery, Stewardship
Additional custom framing to fit your organization, theme, or event: 1) Rural Living/Agriculture, 2)Small Town Living, 3) Old Buildings/Local History, 4) Vibrant Senior Adults, 5) Intergenerational event (connecting seniors, adults, young adults, and/or teens), 6)Memories/Memoirs, 7) Custom - ask if/how your theme/goals might fit
“I really enjoyed this. Your sincerity showed through. I could relate to your life experiences.”
— Frank Santorowski, program attendee
Paint Me a Song:
workshop
Paint Me a Song is a creative listening and art workshop where participants respond to live original songs, instrumental excerpts, and rhythmic soundscapes through imagination, memories, and guided/freeform painting. Designed to be accessible and relaxed, the program encourages mindfulness, creative expression, and connection through music and visual art. Many participants have reported reduced stress, increased self-awareness, and a "reset" kind of transformation. All art supplies are provided.
Optional participation for teens or blended age groups 10+. 1 to 1/2 hours.